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We are hopeful that the construction of our Visitor Center, shown at left, will be completed over the fall of 2008 or winter 2009. This will allow us to start a series of public nights as well as other opportunities for individuals and groups to explore the heavens from DSO. As shown at left, the Visitor Center will have a gallery where displays will introduce you to the kinds of astronomical research we do at DSO, and the instrumentation used in our work. Guests will be able to look into the control room where the astronomers and their students control the telescope and display images acquired through its optics and CCD camera. The Center is currently (4/08) at the stage where it has complete rough plumbing and electrical, and HVAC. 2H Design Services PA is currently working on a code audit to bring the project to 2006 code standards. They will be retained to complete the finish design and oversee the completio of the project. The Center was originally designed by Jekins-Peer (Charlotte), with additional design work done by United Engineering (Charlotte) and Harley-Ellis (Asheville). |
The artist rendition above shows the Cline Visitor Center as it will look when completed. This was provided by 2H Design Services PA, of Charlotte, the architectural firm hired to see through the completion of the project. We are hopeful that it will be completed this fall of 2008 or early winter of 2009. |
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 Image
at left was taken from north-west corner of the gallery area (bottom
left corner in the plan above), looking toward restrooms, control
room and hallway to dome. Click here
for a large version (758k) of this image. |
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